Elements Of An Interview

Printer-friendly versionSend to friend

A good structure would be based on the six questions words:

  • Who
  • What
  • How
  • Why
  • Where
  • When

An interview is a structured conversation between two people, aimed at gaining information from one of them and conveying it to readers. The structure includes:

  • An introduction should identify the person you are interviewing and the topic that is to be discussed.
  • A body should be a sequence of questions and answers that interlink. There is no need for standard paragraphs.
  • No formal conclusion or summary but a sentence that finalises and concludes the interview.

Elements of an interview

The language used in the interview should be styled in the question and answer format.

  • Use simple questions that are to the point.
  • Always be polite and courteous to your interviewee.
  • Using open ended questions to draw out the interviewee's views and opinions.
  • It is appropriate when necessary to use closed questions which require "yes" or "no" answers.
  • Questions should follow on from the previous question in a logical and sequential order.
  • To clarify the interviewee's answers repeat and reword what the interviewee has said.
  • Link the questions and answers together by using phrases such as "consequentially", "because of that" or "in response to".
  • Use appropriate words and language that relate to the mission statement.

Use this structure to create your own interview.